Northampton Street Bridge — Attraction in Phillipsburg

If you don’t think this bridge beautiful then I have nothing more to say to you. Constructed in 1896 by the Union Bridge Company of Athens Pennsylvania, this historic span combines many elements in a truly unique fashion making it one of a kind in this country. While at first glance it appears to be an eyebar suspension bridge, which I assumed it was, it’s actually a cantilevered thru truss bridge. After the historic floods of the mid 1950s the central portion of the bridge washed out, something a true suspension bridge could not have withstood. It’s been rehabilitated in 1924, 1957, 1990, 2002, and most recently in 2023. This demonstrates that historic truss bridges can be kept in working order but as with all bridges regular maintenance is essential. The decorative elements on this bridge are second to none, with the states seals of New Jersey and Pennsylvania adorning the two towers. Are those oil derricks as the finials? And if you’re in the area stay after dark to see how the bridge comes to life with modern color leds illuminating all the truss elements. Absolutely spectacular. Proof we can have nice things! And it’s not even a toll bridge!

A little history of this crossing. It was first managed by David Martin’s ferry starting in 1739. A wooden covered bridge was built in 1806 which stood until this bridge was constructed atop its piers and...

Already, beautiful historical Northampton Street Bridge, which is locally known as Free Bridge, looks much better and brighter after the long renovation. It was fixed where needed to be, extremely well painted. I was a witness to it, I was on traffic jams due to the reno, and after it all was completed, the bridge looked like new. I always questioned why no brooklyn bridge types of lights are not decorating the bridge. I was going to even suggest it to the mayor's office. To my surprise, very recently, lighting has been added to the bridge, and now it looks even better than New York bridges. I hope the lights are not only for holidays and will stay on every evening year-round, and maybe it colors reflect different holidays like Empire State building lights. Nice place to walk. Both sides of the bridge have sidewalks for pedestrians. Safe. There is 24 hour bridge guard. Only cars can drive on the bridge. There is 3 tonn limit.

Philipsburg-Easton Free Bridge New Jersey-Pennsylvania

Must see it if in the...

Nice, older bridge connecting Easton and Phillipsburg across the Delaware River. Known locally as the "free bridge," because there is no toll, unlike the bridge just to the north on Route 22, this span was the traditional link between the two cities. Be careful in winter; though it is a metal grate, the surface can still be pretty slippery, so pedestrians should...